Meram Could Replace Renteria

After lining up at forward during his college days, Meram has primarily served on the wing
during his tenure with the Crew. But with Emilio Renteria unavailable this weekend after being
suspended by the league, it could be Meram who assumes his spot up top when D.C. United comes to
Crew Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s whatever gets me on the field,” he said about playing different roles. “I just want to
contribute and help this team. If it’s where you’re most comfortable, sometimes you’ll never play
that position. You’ve just got to adapt and go with what they say.”

With three goals, Meram sits one off the team lead for the season. All three of his goals came
in consecutive games, but he nearly had at least one more in last weekend’s 2-0 home loss to
Sporting Kansas City. His header in the 48th minute would have tied the match but instead
ricocheted off the crossbar.

Meram said assistant coach Ricardo Iribarren has been preaching patience with him this week in
training.

“The last game I could’ve had two goals and the whole game would’ve changed,” Meram said. “We’ve
just got to put away our chances and be a little bit sharper. I feel like I’ve played enough games
to be pretty calm and I see that with my game. Nothing really gets to me. It’s just more about the
will to win for this team and to battle for this club. If I score or if Andy Gruenebaum scores,
that’s what a team is all about.”

Newly signed international forward Jairo Arrieta is the odds-on favorite to start alongside
Meram after earning his first career start last weekend. Other candidates to see action include
Olman Vargas and Aaron Schoenfeld.

Renteria has two goals this season and has struggled to get on track, but Meram said the club
will miss his physical presence up top.

“Emilio has played (almost) every game,” Meram said. “He’s a big part of this team. He’s a
workhorse. You know what he’s going to bring every game. We’re going to miss that strength up top
and that speed, but Arrieta and Vargas and Schoenfeld, they’re all healthy and all great players. I
think we’ll be good.”

The coaching staff does not divulge the lineup until the night before the match, but Meram seems
likely to earn the starting nod.

“The coaches haven’t really told me where I’m going to play or if I’m going to play,” he said. “
I’m just trying to do what the coaches ask. I want to stay on the field as much as possible.”